Biography
Sajid A. Khan is a San Jose, CA native and a first-generation Muslim, Indian-American.
He received his undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley in 2003. After earning his Juris Doctorate from UC Law SF (formerly known as UC Hastings College of the Law) in 2007, Sajid began his career as a Public Defender.
Over the last 17 years as a public defender in the Bay Area, Sajid has fought for people’s constitutional rights and against systemic racism and mass incarceration. He has represented people in all types of cases including misdemeanors, domestic and sexual violence, gang allegations, juvenile transfer hearings, homicides, and death penalty litigation.
Sajid has litigated approximately 50 jury trials in adult court and over 25 bench trials in juvenile court. Through these experiences, Sajid has learned the criminal legal system inside and out.
In 2016, Sajid was awarded “The Heart of the Office Award” for his service to the community and the people public defenders represent. In 2020, he was recognized for achievements as a young attorney in the state of California, receiving the CACJ (California Attorneys for Criminal Justice) Skip Glenn Award for Excellence in Advocacy.
Sajid ran a groundbreaking, progressive campaign for Santa Clara County District Attorney in 2022. Although the campaign was ultimately unsuccessful, Sajid raised over $350,000 from small dollar donors of $500 per person or less, earned more than 60 local, statewide and national endorsements, led campaign staff and over 200 volunteers, and earned over 60,000 votes from Santa Clara County residents.
